Almost 2 years ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook group for beginning writers. In that group, I noticed another individual commenting on some of the same posts that resonated with me. Fast forward and I started following the Facebook group run by this person because I could not get enough of the content she was sharing. Every bit of it hit a vital part of me, the part that was struggling with self-doubt and imposter syndrome in my own writing and the typical life struggles of an overworked mom with anxiety and depression adding extra barriers to our lives.
Then I downloaded this person’s first book onto my Kindle and promptly fell into a black hole in my personal life. Months later, I finally opened up that first book. And then I downloaded the second. And then I downloaded the third. And then I mourned that there wasn’t more out already.
All of these people, the writer, the group moderator, and the author, have one thing in common. They are all Erin P.T. Canning!
I had the opportunity, and have had the pleasure of conversing with the author of Ruins and Redemption the last several weeks and I find myself trying really hard not to have a complete fan-girl moment! Erin and I had the chance to discuss how she discovered her passion for writing and her books in The Aerytol Saga.
Check out this amazing interview with the author of The Aerytol Saga, Erin P.T. Canning!
When did you first know you wanted to write and make that a permanent part of your life?
I knew I wanted to be a writer since childhood. The thought of giving up my Barbies, my means of storytelling back then, felt like ripping out my soul. It wasn’t until high school that it dawned on me to try writing. I wrote my first book at age 14, I think. It’ll never see the light of day. It’s horribly dramatic and full of emo.
All I can say is, same. My first book will also never see the light of day, the amount of teenage angst alone, no thank you.
Do you have any tips you can share for writers who have anxiety/depression and find it impacting their writing time and ability?
Whew. That’s a tough one. I just pulled myself out of that cycle yet again. For me, I gave myself permission to set aside my basket of all the balls I’ve been juggling and just read—because reading inspires and restores me. Then I give myself time to daydream my story, those big events, because once I knew my characters inside and out, I can’t wait to tell their story. I’ll make the time when I’m passionate about getting that story out of me.
I also find having a community helps me too, a community that supports me as a writer but also gives me grace when I’m struggling. That’s the main reason why I created the Parents Who Write Facebook group.
Adaline has such a unique backstory. Did something inspire you, or did she always have that background when you pictured her?
This story began with a dream of Adaline arriving in a forest, not sure where she was. Two men (or elves) appeared, one who trusted her and one who didn’t. Then a blonde woman appeared (who would later become Seira), and she said, “I’ve been waiting for you.” From that moment, I knew Adaline had a destiny in that world, a connection. But I wasn’t sure what that would be. I just kept playing the “what if” until I landed on the story that felt right, that felt true to her. I did know from the very beginning that she was more than she seemed, and I’ve always loved hidden destiny stories.
We also discussed the main male character, Ëólas, and his fantastic character growth! The chain of events that lead the characters from book 1 to book 3 allows readers to “see his true personality shine through”. Erin went on to say, “His demeanor reminds me a lot of my husband. He grounds and calms me like no one else.”
You mentioned a few weeks ago on Facebook that Seira was almost written out of the Aerytol Saga. Are there grand plans awaiting her?
We’ll see more of her in book 4. That’s all I have to say about that. *wink, wink*
One thing I can say for certain, the supporting characters in The Aerytol Saga are intriguing and Seira’s story is going to be a fun one to follow. After discussing with Erin on Facebook that Seira was almost written out, Erin indicated that Seira’s character had pled her case and we know she’s responsible for helping solve several plot holes that had come up in the story.
When we left Adaline and Ëólas at the end of book 3, there were still so many things unresolved. What can we expect from their journey in book 4; when is book 4 anticipated? (No pressure 😉).
I love the enthusiasm. I was planning a February 2025 release, but I hit burn out this summer and needed time to recuperate. I don’t see it being too long after February though. I have the entire plot worked out. I just need to write (and finish book 3.5, which you’ll get first. That story will focus on Magnus though).
Fortunately for readers, book 3.5 will be out soon to hold us over until book 4 of The Aerytol Saga comes out early next year! Even better, The Aerytol Saga is likely far from finished! When asked how many books she has planned for The Aerytol Saga, Erin stated, “I have LOTS of ideas.” Erin P.T. Canning is also working through plotting another series that would blend urban fantasy with paranormal and romance genres. “That series will also include characters stepping outside of their comfort zones and forging unlikely friendships.”
Mark your calendars for next week’s blog as Erin and I delve into the Parents Who Write Facebook page and podcast as well as the writing and self-publication process!
Until then, you can find The Aerytol Saga and more about Erin and her work at: https://erinptcanning.com/my-books/ruins-and-redemption/
And you can listen to the Parents Who Write podcast: https://parentswhowrite.com/topic/podcast/
Happy reading!
